Guidance

Have you ever been in a place where you have absolutely no idea what to do? Perhaps something has gone very wrong and you are left at an absolute loss as to what might be done. What then?

For a family in Cana in Galilee in the first century this was exactly their situation. It would be a terrible loss of face for a family in those days to be unable to provide wine and refreshments for guests at a wedding. But, for whatever reason, that is what happened.

And to make matters even worse, Jesus and His disciples had been invited to the celebration. What an absolute embarrassment to have to say we don’t have anything left to serve you!

It was then that Mary, Jesus’ mother, knew exactly what needed to be done. Turning to her son she simply said to Jesus, “They have no more wine.”

Jesus’ reply sounded as though He wasn’t keen to get involved (verse 4). But as with so many instances like this, what we don’t see is the look in His eye as He said it.

From what follows, I like to think of Jesus with a twinkle in His eye and a wry smile on His face replying, “My time has not yet come.” I think that’s why Mary’s next comment suggests she knew that Jesus wasn’t about to let this poor family suffer. So, she said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (verse 5).

That’s all it took. The situation was brought to Jesus, and He took over. What follows is a wonderful account of Jesus turning the situation round completely, turning 180 gallons of water into the choicest wine the master of the banquet had ever tasted. What seemed like a disaster became an opportunity for amazement and celebration.

And therein lies a wonderful source of guidance for any of us facing situations that are beyond our ability to cope. Do whatever He tells you!